An online retail outlet that sells computers, electronics, books and other items, Amazon.com sells new and used items as well as movies and games. The online outlet accepts all major credits and a variety of other payment methods. But Amazon does not accept international wire transfers, Smart Cards, manufacturer's coupons, PayPal or funds from an Electronic Benefit Transfer card.

Credit Cards

Amazon accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club -- U.S. billing addresses only, and the Discover card. The online outlet also accepts JCB, NYCE, EuroCard and Visa, MasterCard debit cards as well as prepaid credit cards. If using a prepaid credit card, you cannot use the card to sign up for Amazon Prime membership.

Checking Account

If you don't have a credit or debit card, you can pay for your Amazon purchases using your U.S. checking account. You will need your checking account number and bank routing number. Amazon.com will process the payment as an electronic direct debit from your account. You bank must be able to accept electronic debits, known as ACH. You can purchase any item from Amazon using your checking account except for music downloads, gift cards, to pay for Amazon Prime membership or items sold by Eddie Bauer.

Amazon Store Cards

Amazon accepts its own credit card and line of credit as method of payment, including the Amazon.com Platinum Visa Card and the Amazon.com Corporate Credit Line for businesses using a purchase order.

Gift Cards

You can also pay for purchases from Amazon using an Amazon.com gift card available in a variety of denominations directly from Amazon as well as any store or outlet that sells Amazon gift cards. If using an Amazon gift card that does not contain enough funds to cover your purchase, you can use a second form of payment to complete the transaction. This is the only time you can split methods of payment.

Online Payment Transactions

Amazon's online payment server is secure and encrypts all of your personal, credit card and banking information. The online outlet uses its own security service that is not part of the Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode system but all transactions are still protected from online theft.

About the Author

Nick Davis is a freelance writer specializing in technical, travel and entertainment articles. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Memphis and an associate degree in computer information systems from the State Technical Institute at Memphis. His work has appeared in "Elite Memphis" and "The Daily Helmsman" in Memphis, Tenn. He is currently living in Albuquerque, N.M.